Class: Babylonian society was divided into three classes.
The main classes were the following :
(i) High class: These members were known as ‘Avilam’. High officials, landlords, businessman were involved in this. This class was affluent and enjoyed luxury and comfort.
(ii) Middle class: The members of this class were known as ‘Maskeum’. They were free like the upper class. In this class traders, crafstmen, intellectuals, state employees, farmers and workers were included. This group was comparatively better than slaves.
(iii) Lower class: This class was known as ‘Aardu’. They were considered to be property of their master. They were branded and they had to wear a special type of costume. Yet, they got some protection of the law.
Family life : Babylonia’s family life was patriarchal. In the society, the mutual life of the family members was ordered by the law. Parents had equal rights in the family. Father was head of the family and he had strict control over all the members of the family. Boys and girls had equal right in family property.
Status of women: The status of women in the Babylonian society was respectful and they enjoyed great freedom. Thier family and other rights were preserved. It was considered necessary to give legal form to marriage. A contract letter was written before marriage. Decision was taken after considering the situation of women in relation to divorce, remarriage etc. In case of divorce, every woman had right to alimony. Women were also allowed to do business and service in government departments. Simultaneously, control over women was also exercised. They had to remain under control of men. Men could have more than one woman.
Food and lifestyle : The main food for the Babylonian people were foodgrains, fruit, milk, meat and fish. The date palm was drunk like a wine. Men wore large clothes under the waist. Women also covered upper limbs. The elite used to wear Zari work cloth. The men kept the hair on their heads and the beards were kept. Women used to have many types of hairstyles. Women liked ornaments. People used to play musical instruments like flute, trumpet, harp, drum, etc.
